Hard Tail recommendation

I use to bike ALOT a LONG time ago. I had a Cannondale DeltaV1000 (anyone remember those??) that I dumped a lot of money into customizing back before wife and kids. I am looking to get back into biking now that I have a bit more time with the kids getting a bit older. I have taken some of the new full suspension bikes for test rides, but I think I am leaning toward a hard tail and maybe a 29'. I want something decent that I can enjoy on roads as well as take on some technical single track. I would like to be in the $800 - $1200 range if possible. I welcome all comments and suggestions.

A 29-er HT is a great way to go. But for our local trails and my riding buddy, would have given me too much bike advantage. I settled on the 26" for its more flickability and me being able to dance with the bike more.